Among the bills are those on trading by non-tribal people, the council’s service rules, and regulations relating to the 14 Himas
SHILLONG, June 9: The KHADC Executive Committee (EC) is set to introduce a series of amendment bills during the upcoming council session scheduled to commence on June 17.
The decision was made on Monday during an EC meeting, where members deliberated extensively on several proposed amendments to existing laws and regulations under the council’s jurisdiction.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh said the council is preparing to bring amendments to the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, the KHADC Service Rules, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Administration of Land) Act, 2021, the Fisheries Act, 1954, and regulations relating to 14 Himas under the council.
Lyngdoh said one of the key proposals concerns amendments to the KHADC Service Rules, which have remained largely unchanged since 1961.
“The EC has discussed the matter in detail. Several changes need to be incorporated into the service rules, and we are preparing to place the amendments before the council during the upcoming session,” he said.
The EC is also planning to reintroduce the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill was initially slated to be tabled during the previous session, which was adjourned following the demise of Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon.
According to the CEM, the proposed amendment seeks to remove provisions that overlap with the Labour Clearance Certificate (LCC) issued by the state government.
“We have held discussions with the state government and received clarification that certain provisions under the regulation overlap with the LCC system. Therefore, we are proposing amendments so that there is no conflict between the council’s regulation and the state’s provisions,” Lyngdoh said.
According to him, the council has decided that it would not touch the matters concerning the LCC since it is a subject of the state government.
He added that the revised bill would focus on the issuance of Employee Clearance Certificates or Employee Clearance Licences, which are currently implemented under the regulation.
The Executive Committee also discussed proposed amendments to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Administration of Land) Act, 2021, particularly provisions relating to Raid land.
Lyngdoh said the proposed amendment would help bring greater clarity regarding the ownership, management and classification of Raid land, an issue that has often led to confusion and disputes.
“If the council passes the amendment, it will help clarify matters concerning the holding and administration of Raid land,” he said.
Another significant proposal relates to the Fisheries Act, 1954. The CEM said the council had received reports of instances where some traditional institutions
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“There have been cases where individuals were fined up to Rs 50,000. However, the Fisheries Act, 1954, does not provide for such penalties. Under the existing provisions, fines can be imposed only up to Rs 10,000,” Lyngdoh said.
The proposed amendments aim to streamline the implementation of the Act and provide clear guidelines for traditional institutions on penalties for fishing activities, the protection of aquatic life, and pollution of rivers and water bodies.
The EC also deliberated on amendments concerning 14 Himas under its jurisdiction.
Lyngdoh described the proposed amendments relating to the 14 Himas as extensive and said the council hopes to place the bill before members during the June session.
Meanwhile, the CEM expressed concern over several bills passed by the council that are still awaiting action from the state government.
He indicated that the council would continue to pursue these matters while pursuing its legislative agenda during the forthcoming session.
